True crime TV shows vs. podcasts - this has been one of the debates that fans of the genre have had since their popularity in both mediums.
After all, with more titles being released and a fascination toward real-life subjects whether it's recent or from the past, true crime has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the past several years
Let's explore the debate below.
The Case for True Crime TV Shows
Since TV is a visual medium, the advantage of true crime shows is they can creatively present information through clips, footage, and on-camera interviews that will make it appealing to the general audience.
True crime shows also have a particular pacing as they are divided into chapters and concise narratives with direction and other elements that add to the thrill of the experience of watching the featured case unfold.
There is also a perception that TV shows are more sophisticated since they are produced by major studios and networks with big budgets and have the capability of hiring A-listers to get involved in the projects.
After all, with Netflix alone (which reportedly has 280+ million subscribers worldwide), true crime subjects could get global attention and there will be more exposure than just online news reports.
The Case for True Crime Podcasts
While true crime podcasts may not have the large viewership that true crime shows have, it is still appealing to many due to the unique experience that it brings in the format.
With podcasts, hosts could deliver the information with anticipation, concrete details, and a pace that can't be achieved in a show and make it exciting to the listeners.
The absence of visuals also makes the experience of listening to the podcast more imaginative for the listeners and they can have their own interpretation of the case, which is the kind of reception that you won't necessarily get on a TV show.
Sarah Koenig's Serial has proven that true crime podcasts can be the highest form of entertainment while also providing quality and ethical journalism.
Which Tells a Better Story Between TV Shows and Podcasts?
In the end, it's all up to you which medium tells a story since it is still dependent on someone's personal taste and the experience that you would like to get.
Whether it's a show or podcast, there is no doubt that true crime is as popular as it has ever been before and both mediums provide quality entertainment that you can get in the genre.
As long as the journalism and research were done ethically, there should be no problem at all in either medium and the consumers have a choice on what kind of true crime entertainment they would like to get.
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